Fun Flower Facts
Rose Color Trends: Bright White Roses
A rose is a rose is a rose. Or is it? Unbeknownst to most of us, the 1990s spawned a virtual baby boom of rose varieties. Brought on by a fertile production period, today there are close to 120 rose varieties commercially available - up from the few dozen choices found in flower shops in the 1980s. These new rose varieties have not only expanded the color palette - from extreme lights to bright brights - but have enhanced characteristics such as bloom size, shape, stem length and strength of fragrance. The trend toward neutral schemes for home environments makes an arrangement of lush white roses the perfect gift. Shades of white - ultra white, ivory, champagne lineages - are as lovely for weddings and romantic settings as they are easy complements to elegant home decors.
What should I be looking for when selecting fresh flowers?
When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age. When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.